Brutality allegations

Zamir Khan with a medical report confirming injuries he sustained during an alleged assault by a police officer. Picture: JONE KALOUNIVITI

TWO more cases of alleged police brutality were reported to this newspaper yesterday, just days after the suspension of two Lautoka policemen believed to have been involved in the alleged assault of a minor.

Zamir Khan, a 20-year-old Fiji National University student of Ba, claimed he was assaulted at the Lautoka Police Station on February 17 by a policeman and a civilian while being questioned about a rental car disagreement.

"They said I stole the vehicle, yet it was sitting right there in the premises of the owner," he said.

A doctor's certificate presented to this newspaper stated his injuries were consistent with injury inflicted by fists.

The student also has a recorded video of the injuries inflicted that day.

"They took me off the street and assaulted me at the station. I have come to the media because there is no progress on the report I filed against the officer who assaulted me and the rental car owner."

In the second incident, the family of a 25-year-old man presently in remand at the Natabua Corrections Centre is demanding an investigation into how Feroz Ali, a suspect in a robbery case, received injuries while in police custody.

His mother Nasram Begum claimed they were refused visits for a month since his arrest and were only allowed to see Mr Ali on Wednesday afternoon.

Fiji Corrections Service media officer Kuini Waqasavou said they had consulted Mr Ali who said he received his injuries while in police custody.

Mr Narayan said they would investigate both cases before further comments could be made.

"My earlier statement that we will not tolerate any such behaviour in the force still stands," he said.